Senior Chief McGrath hails from Putnam, Connecticut. He enlisted in the Navy in 1997. After attending Recruit Training Command Great Lakes; he reported to Fleet ASW Training Center Pacific for Sonar Technician Surface “A” school, Digital Electronics Training, Basic Acoustic Analysis, and AN/SQQ-89 (V) 2/9 Operator and Maintenance; resulting in his promotion to Seaman under the Advanced Electronics Field Program.

In May 1999, he reported to USS GARY (FFG 51) in San Diego where he completed an INSURV prior to hull swapping with USS THACH (FFG 43) in Yokosuka, Japan. During his five year tour aboard, he completed two WESTPAC deployments in support of the East Timor rebellion and Operation Enduring Freedom. While deployed he earned CICWO, ASWE, and OOD designation qualification letters, and was twice selected as Junior Sailor of the Quarter. During this tour he advanced from Seaman to Petty Officer First Class.

Senior Chief McGrath returned for duty at FLEASWTRACENPAC San Diego in July 2003 for instructor duty and operations LPO. While instructing, he earned his Master Training Specialist Certification and Course Supervisor designations. As lead instructor for the Sonar Supervisor pipeline, he aided and advised Lockheed Martin on the new V-15 Sonar system journeymen level course of instruction and pilot course. Next, he completed his AA in Instructional Technologies from the University of Phoenix, and conducted a staff sit in for the Advanced Acoustic Analysis and Mk 116 Fire Control courses. In December 2005, STGCS terminated shore duty early to rejoin the fleet.

Senior Chief McGrath reported for duty to USS HAWES (FFG 53) in January 2006; assigned duties as CA Division LPO. While attached to HAWES he deployed to the C5F AOR in 2007 in anticipation of Iraqi Freedom and OPLAT defense. In January 2008, he earned his TAO designation and selected as HAWES, COMDESRON 26, and CSG 8 Sailor of the Year. In September 2008 he was advanced to Chief Petty Officer, and due to an unforeseen injury, assumed the additional duties of Navigation Department LCPO and assistant navigator.

In March 2009, he reported to Surface Warfare Development Group in Little Creek, Virginia as USW directorate’s Submarine Commanders Course LCPO. His responsibilities included planning, executing and data collection of SCC and SHAREM exercises for incorporation of tactics in to Navy-wide TTP.

In January 2012, he reported to Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWO SIX as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer. In June 2013 he was selected for STGCS.

Senior Chief McGrath’s personal awards include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and several other medals, unit awards and ribbons.